Insights from Leading Mindfulness Organisations on How to Increase Inclusion

 

What does inclusion look like in practice? This panel brings together Stephanie Unthank-Latter (BAMBA) on culture and values as drivers of change, Paula Watson (YARDO) on ethical allyship to address economic exclusion and avoid the pitfalls of extractive partnerships, and Uz Afzal (Mindfulness Network for People of Colour, Teacher, Author) on creative, trauma-sensitive approaches for marginalised groups. Discussed within a framework of Context, Community, and Cushion: Context - Field perspective (BAMBA), Community - Convener perspective (YARDO), and Cushion - Practitioner perspective (MNPC). 

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BAMBA is the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches. It is the lead organisation overseeing the quality of mindfulness-based teaching, training, and supervision in the UK. Their EDI Task Force focuses on navigating the complexity of EDI concerns through collaborative ways of working that draw upon the diverse perspectives of people with lived experience of underserved, underrepresented, and disadvantaged communities, as well as mindfulness and JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) expertise. BAMBA aims to find ways to access competent advice and guidance through collaboration to support the integration of EDI into its purpose.

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